ACES WILD

Our favorite thing about the U.S. Open: It was the first major tournament to offer women the same prize money and trophy as men. (We can thank Billie Jean King for that.) You don’t have to be an avid tennis fan or have deep pockets to enjoy the tournament. It can be almost as much fun to walk around the fabulous National Tennis Center and enjoy the crowds and atmosphere as it is to catch Andy Murray in a round-one match. Our advice: Buy the grounds pass and go on one of the early days to see matches at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the Grandstand, and the individual courts, where everyone starts off. (Individual court access is on a first-come, first-served basis.) To truly enjoy the Open, dress comfortably, bring sunscreen and sunglasses, eat at a stand outside the tennis center—you can get your hand stamped to come back in—and, above all, don’t bring a bag.
Mon., Aug. 26, 10 a.m., 2013